Yamaha Introduces YPG Series Portable Keyboards

Yamaha announces the debut of the YPG-225, YPG-525 and YPG-625 portable keyboards. The new entries replace the Yamaha DGX line and are targeted to keyboard players of all levels, from beginners to serious hobbyists and semi-professionals.

All three models became available in June and feature USB functions, 32 notes of polyphony, recording capabilities and built-in speaker systems. Performance Assistant Technology ensures error-free performances, Music Database offers complete keyboard setups by song title, and Yamaha's ultra-realistic Portable Grand function is activated by the press of a button. The built-in Yamaha Education Suite incorporates progressive exercises and timing lessons to help develop two-hand proficiency.

The 76-key YPG-225 (MSRP: $479.95) is an updated version of the Yamaha DGX-203 and features USB MIDI connectivity for quick and easy connection to a computer and the Internet. It also includes a six-track song recorder and Portable Keyboard Styles. Optional accessories include Survival Kit D, along with an optional wooden stand and bench.

"With the push of one button, the YPG-225 allows you to call up the best sound in the keyboard and just play," says Mark Anderson, marketing manager, Yamaha Portable Keyboards. "USB connectivity allows customers to put additional songs in the keyboard that they want to learn to play using our Yamaha Education Suite features. In addition, there are five types of Master EQ settings that allow you to tweak the sound to your liking."

The YPG-525 (MSRP: $899.95) is packed with features and functions, including 88 piano-style keys with Portable Keyboard Styles, high resolution Live! Grand Piano stereo sample, decorative wooden stand and sustain pedal. Other highlights include USB storage capability, five types of Master EQ, and a large LCD lyric and score display. Optional accessories include a bench and Survival Kit E.

"This is a piano-focused keyboard with a number of updates, including USB functions and more than a hundred auto accompaniment styles and songs to listen to or learn," says Anderson.

The YPG-625 (MSRP: $1,099.99) is Yamaha's first 88-key Graded Hammer System weighted action portable keyboard, and includes all the features of the YPG-525 with the addition of the look and sound of an acoustic piano—piano-style keys, a wooden stand and a sustain pedal. Optional accessories include a bench and Survival Kit E.